Block Heaters for Series 60s

[Jwatson]

I use my Hot Shot block heaters regularly on my Detroit Series 60s. Although Florida is not a cold environment, I use them to keep the engines above dew point to prevent condensation on the cylinder lines. They are also good to keep corrosion from the salty air off the turbo housing and exhaust valves. Palm Beach Power is a proponent on using them. The problem I have is that the heater elements don’t last long, replacing them, although not difficult, is a mess with the coolant and they are not cheap. Are there alternatives to this setup? I have seen external oil pan heaters. Any recommendations on an alternate would be much appreciate. Thanks!

 

[Captain Ralph]

Some installations offer a thermostat setup. If the block is coming up to temp, no use in the elements to just keep cooking.

Also, If you are using the 1KW elements, consider using 750w (or lower) elements if you can not fit a thermostat in there.

 

[Jwatson]

My setup uses a thermostat that regulates the power to the heater element. On at 100F, Off at 110F. Thermostat for the block seater goes in housing for engines thermostats.

 

[Captain Ralph]

On my blocks (12V71TIs), During a cold night, the engine room ventilation does not let the thermostat come to temp on the head rails. Meanwhile, blocks are real toasty.
The heaters stay on all night. Good and bad.
After a few nights on continuous operation, I know to call in for another element soon.
I can throw a blanket over the engine and fix this, but then the engine heat is reduced to the rest of the engine room.
Plan C, is to use oil-sorb pads to cover the E Rs vent (large) openings (oh, not a Hatt).
Works only when I remember to blue tape them up,, duh..

Good luck and stay warm.